Dark Fortress - Eidolon

Rating

single starsingle starsingle starsingle star

RIYL

Lunar Aurora
Naglfar
Shining
Opeth

Label

Century Media

Tracklist

1. The Silver Gate
2. Cohorror
3. Baphomet
4. The Unflesh
5. Analepsy
6. Edge of Night
7. No Longer Human
8. Catacrusis
9. Antiversum

Users Rating

Create an account or log in to rate this album

Your Rating

Create an account or log in to rate this album

Proving that decent black metal doesn’t have to come out of the deep, dark recesses of Sweden, Germany’s Dark Fortress have released what is probably going to be the finest black metal record you’ll hear all year. It’s also, hopefully, the record that’s going to get the band some well deserved attention.

For those disinterested or scared off by the two words ‘black metal’ - don’t run off just yet - hear me out, because this record could well be your introduction to the genre.

Black metal noticed a spike in popularity last year with bands such as Shining, Deathspell Omega and Alcest all getting some widespread attention and critical acclaim. The latter was even picked up by indie hipsters all too eager to jump on the bandwagon; although this probably had something to do with the record having all the ‘black metal’ sucked out of it, leaving a haunting shoegazer record shimmering in the remains. For those familiar with Alcest, Eidolon could be what they would sound like if they went back to their roots and, well, put the ‘black’ back into them.

Eidolon is the band's fifth record and follows a concept based on the Egyptian myth of the same name: “the initiation, dehumanization and unearthly rebirth of a transcending soul by mirror magic and astral projection” so says the press release (yeah, whatever that means). Concept and lyrics come from new vocalist, Morean who bears a more classic and refined black-metal growl over his predecessor, Azatoth’s (Matthias Jell) throaty gruff and, at times, croaky baritone.

Musically, the record is superb. Where so much black metal fails to grab my attention, and is ruined by the production, and repetitiveness, Eidolon is varied and produced to perfection. “The Silver Gate” starts off with an airy, symphonic intro as it quickly shifts into head-banging thrash metal with its pummeling double bass grooves and demonic growls quickly taking over. The haunting key-work gives the song a welcoming atmosphere and continually builds up a wall of sound alongside the guitars.

This record features healthy doses of thrash metal which evoke sounds of Metallica in their prime, but it’s the key-work and growls that obviously set them far apart. “Cohorror” and “Baphomet” sound like thrash metal, but with a daunting ethereal ambience, sounding like it’s been conducted by the anti-Christ himself, only played out by an orchestra of demons.

Fellow Germans Naglafar and Lunar Aurora are an obvious influence, but Dark Fortress seemed to have trumped them both by the lush production and their slight deviation from the black metal rule book. Blast beats are less prominent, and generally absent in favour of more varied drumming. Frantic tremolo-picked riffs and sinisterly, yet exquisite keyboard synths conjure up a profound, steady and unfailing atmosphere throughout the record which could be classed as shoe-gazer by some standards.

With Lunar Aurora announcing their split only last year, there’s a gap for a new black metal titan of Germany. Dark Fortress are a sure fire contender for that accolade, and the group have thrown their hat into the ring with this record. Eidolon is classic black metal, which sticks to its roots, but is produced to a welcoming perfection. This is hardly a mainstream release, but it’s probably some of the most accessible stuff you’re likely to hear in this genre.

For those not into black metal, I implore you to give this a chance, as Dark Fortress have handed you the perfect black metal welcoming gift all wrapped up in some shiny, attractive wrapping paper. Be sure to tear off the packaging excitedly and embrace this glorious gift you’ve been given.

--Rich Taylor

Author

Rich
Last updated: 09/29/2009 08:59PM

Comments

Spartan E7
03/20/2008
07:50AM
Age: 25
Location
Infinitely Inwards
Dammit, i was going to get this the other day, but forgot about it, thanks for reminding me. I'll get back to ya on how i like it.

Ever Forthright - Ever Forthright
Fallujah - The Harvest Wombs
The New Law - The Fifty Year Storm
The Mars Volta - Noqtourniqet
Aborted - Global Flatline
Spawn of Possession - Incurso
Crippled Black Phoenix - (Mankind)The Crafty Ape

siege_engine
03/21/2008
11:41AM
Age: 23
Location
JMU
New Wolves In The Throne Room will be the best BM album of the year.

Haven't jammed this yet, but I'll be on the lookout.